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Oklahoma Professional Counselor — Requirements & Free Practice

US-OK · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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Approved LPC Supervisor

Board-approved supervisor designation for LPC licensure supervision.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure · Application information

Approved supervisor through the Approved Clinical Supervisor credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Credential
NBCC Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) credential and familiarity with Oklahoma LPC Act and rules.
Exam scope
The rule identifies the ACS credential as an alternative qualification, not an independently identified examination; 86:10-11-4(a)(1) and the Board’s Either/OR instructions carry this no-exam pathway.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Approved supervisor inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Practice
No supervision activities while inactive.
Request
Written request for inactive designation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Approved supervisor by LPC practice and supervision training
Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination
License
Oklahoma LPC with two years of relevant practice beyond license issuance.
Prior pass
OLERE must have been passed; the currently offered examination remains a leaf even if passed before this application.
Training
45-hour graduate supervision course or Board-approved equivalent; workshop/directed-study requirements apply.
Approved supervisor reactivation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Submit required supervision continuing education due by the end of the current renewal period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New supervisor approval after permanent expiration
Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination
Alternative qualification
ACS credential is an alternative applicant qualification; the LPC training pathway identifies OLERE, so the currently offered exam remains a leaf.
Lpc pathway
Two years of relevant licensed practice and the Board-required supervision education; previous OLERE passage is retained where applicable.
Retaking option
For permanent expiration, paragraph (5) allows retaking the course under (2)(A) or the examination under (2)(B); that exemption/timing distinction is a condition.
Status
Five years of unsatisfied supervision CE permanently expires the designation; reapply under 86:10-11-4, including retaking the supervision course or OLERE specified by paragraph (5).
New supervisor approval after retirement
Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination
Alternative qualification
ACS credential is an alternative applicant qualification; the LPC training pathway identifies OLERE, so the currently offered exam remains a leaf.
Lpc pathway
Two years of relevant licensed practice and the Board-required supervision education; previous OLERE passage is retained where applicable.
Retaking option
For permanent expiration, paragraph (5) allows retaking the course under (2)(A) or the examination under (2)(B); that exemption/timing distinction is a condition.
Status
A retired designation cannot be reinstated; a new application under current supervisor qualifications is permitted.
New supervisor approval after revocation
Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination
Alternative qualification
ACS credential is an alternative applicant qualification; the LPC training pathway identifies OLERE, so the currently offered exam remains a leaf.
Lpc pathway
Two years of relevant licensed practice and the Board-required supervision education; previous OLERE passage is retained where applicable.
Retaking option
For permanent expiration, paragraph (5) allows retaking the course under (2)(A) or the examination under (2)(B); that exemption/timing distinction is a condition.
Status
Wait five years after revocation and meet supervisor qualification requirements again.
Approved supervisor renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
At least three supervision continuing education hours for every renewal period; satisfy every missed period before renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Approved supervisor retirement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Future application
Retired status is not reinstated; a future new application is permitted.
Request
Inform the Board in writing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Non-renewable Declaration of Emergency License by Endorsement

Conditional emergency endorsement license valid only for the declared emergency; services are pro bono or paid by nongovernmental entities.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure · Application information

Non renewable licensure by endorsement during a declared emergency
Cross reference reading
OAC 86:10-33-3(a)(4) requires section 1906(B)(1), which in the current statute is the examination requirement. Its remaining references retain older numbering, including a nonexistent B(5). The text does not expressly waive examinations; the named examinations under 86:10-15-2 are retained, with Board equivalence discretion as a condition.
Declaration
Governor or Legislature declaration under the named Oklahoma emergency statutes; validity lasts only for that emergency.
Documents
Application, requested documents, licensure fees and verification from the current licensing jurisdiction.
Education
At least a counseling or mental-health-related master’s from a regionally accredited institution.
Out of state license
Active independent professional counselor license in good standing; never suspended or revoked; Board fitness requirements apply.
Services
Pro bono or reimbursed by nongovernmental entities.

Licensed Professional Counselor

Oklahoma license to practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure · Application information

Licensure by endorsement under section 1909 and OAC 86:10 25
Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination
Application
Application, requested documents, fees, official transcripts and completed criminal background checks; Board page requires FBI and OSBI fingerprint checks no more than 30 days old.
Cross reference
The rule’s section 1906(B) paragraph references retain older numbering; the current statute’s B(1) requires an examination and the route’s specifically named OLERE carries that requirement.
Education
At least a counseling or mental-health-related master’s from a regionally accredited institution; the Board requires primary-source transcript verification rather than a traditional academic review.
Out of state license
Active, in good standing and authorizing independent practice; no history of suspension or revocation; Board fitness requirements apply. Direct verification is required from the issuing authority.
Statutory qualification
59 O.S. section 1909 authorizes endorsement on comparable qualifications and Board-rule standards. OAC 86:10-25-3 expressly identifies the OLERE for this route.
Placement of an active license on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Practice
Inactive status forfeits all license rights and privileges.
Request
Written request and one-time $25 fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination
Academic standing
Exam eligibility may use Board-approved verification of expected graduation dated/submitted no earlier than 60 days before graduation; official transcripts are required before supervision approval.
Application
Complete application, fee, official transcripts, Board internship/practicum form and completed criminal background checks. The Board accepts FBI and OSBI fingerprint checks dated within 30 days of application.
Education
At least a counseling or substantially content-equivalent mental-health-related master’s degree and 60 graduate semester or 90 quarter hours from an accepted regionally accredited institution; CACREP, Board content-equivalence or designated credential evaluation under OAC 86:10-9.
Equivalent exam
OAC 86:10-15-2 permits another equivalent national examination determined by the Board; the Board expressly accepts the NCMHCE as the named alternative to the NCE. Any additional unnamed Board-approved equivalent is an applicant condition.
Exam eligibility
Pass the examinations within the two-year Board-approved eligibility period; failed examinations may be rescheduled within that period.
Foreign degree
A degree earned outside the United States requires a comprehensive evaluation acceptable to the Board or its designated credentialing agency and any additional Board requirements.
Licensure completion
Continue under approved supervision until licensed; the license is issued after all qualifications, initial license fee and Board approval.
Minimum age
At least 21 years of age under 59 O.S. section 1906(B)(2).
Practicum
Graduate internship/practicum of at least 300 clock hours, documented on the Board form.
Prior passing results
For ordinary first applications, applicants who passed before applying must personally request transmission to the Oklahoma exam results portal; the currently offered examination remains a requirement leaf.
Professional fitness
No conduct constituting grounds for denial, suspension or revocation; Board fitness review under OAC 86:10-5 may include evaluations, questionnaires, case studies and competence evidence. That field inquiry is not an independently identified licensing examination.
Supervised experience
3 years or 3,000 clock hours, including at least 1,000 direct-client-contact hours and 100 supervision hours, at least 45 minutes weekly approved supervision; complete within 60 months of the first approved supervision agreement. Graduate hours above the master’s may substitute for up to two years, but at least one year/1,000 hours remains.
Supervision reporting
Board-approved application, passing exam verification and supervision agreement precede accrual; signed evaluations are submitted semiannually, with submissions beyond 60 days not credited.
Supervision rule wording
OAC 86:10-11-1 names NCE passing verification before supervision, while OAC 86:10-15-2 allows an equivalent examination and the Board’s Step 6 accepts NCMHCE. Applicants relying on the NCMHCE should provide the Board-required passing verification; the literal supervision provision is retained in the adoption evidence.
Reinstatement or late renewal within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Requirements
Pay renewal and late fees and fulfill all renewal and continuing education requirements; 86:10-23-2 and 86:10-17-6.3 impose no new examination.
Time limit
Restore within one year after suspension/expiration; beyond one year a new application is required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Advance expedited reciprocal or comity licensure for active duty personnel and spouses
Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination
Eligibility
Active-duty personnel or spouses licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction with transfer or honorable-discharge orders to Oklahoma; advance application permitted.
Equivalence
A good-standing license reasonably equivalent to Oklahoma’s requirements is accepted, with issuance within 30 days after a completed eligible application.
Exam timing
The OLERE is the named Oklahoma endorsement examination. Temporary authorization can precede completion of unmet Oklahoma requirements; equivalence and the timing of completion are applicant conditions, not invented exam alternatives.
Fees
Application fee waived; section 4100.8 also waives the initial issuance fees for its covered applicants.
Automatic inactive extension during active military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Active-duty military licensee.
Extension
Automatically extend and place the license on inactive status for active service and one year thereafter, unless the holder elects to maintain good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Active duty military renewal in good standing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
CE may be waived for military circumstances upon request or qualifying military occupational duties. The LPC rule refers literally to social work duties; the broader controlling statute refers to the licensed occupation, and applicants must provide the relevant military documentation.
Eligibility
Active-duty military licensee, including the one-year post-discharge period.
Fee waiver
Renewal without fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited endorsement for military spouses
Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination
Eligibility
Current out-of-state independent professional counselor license; spouse of an active-duty member transferred to Oklahoma, with the statutory employment/transfer/residency conditions.
Equivalence
Other-state requirements must be substantially equivalent; missing Oklahoma-specific requirements may be completed during temporary authorization.
Exam timing
The OLERE is the named Oklahoma endorsement examination. Temporary authorization can precede completion of unmet Oklahoma requirements; equivalence and the timing of completion are applicant conditions, not invented exam alternatives.
Fees
Application fee waived; section 4100.8 also waives the initial issuance fees for its covered applicants.
Initial licensure with military education, training and experience credit
Academic standing
Exam eligibility may use Board-approved verification of expected graduation dated/submitted no earlier than 60 days before graduation; official transcripts are required before supervision approval.
Application
Complete application, fee, official transcripts, Board internship/practicum form and completed criminal background checks. The Board accepts FBI and OSBI fingerprint checks dated within 30 days of application.
Application fee
Active-duty military applicants do not pay the application fee.
Education
At least a counseling or substantially content-equivalent mental-health-related master’s degree and 60 graduate semester or 90 quarter hours from an accepted regionally accredited institution; CACREP, Board content-equivalence or designated credential evaluation under OAC 86:10-9.
Equivalent exam
OAC 86:10-15-2 permits another equivalent national examination determined by the Board; the Board expressly accepts the NCMHCE as the named alternative to the NCE. Any additional unnamed Board-approved equivalent is an applicant condition.
Exam eligibility
Pass the examinations within the two-year Board-approved eligibility period; failed examinations may be rescheduled within that period.
Foreign degree
A degree earned outside the United States requires a comprehensive evaluation acceptable to the Board or its designated credentialing agency and any additional Board requirements.
Licensure completion
Continue under approved supervision until licensed; the license is issued after all qualifications, initial license fee and Board approval.
Military credit
Accept satisfactory equivalent military education, training and experience in the manner most favorable to the applicant; applicant must otherwise qualify and pass required examinations.
Minimum age
At least 21 years of age under 59 O.S. section 1906(B)(2).
Practicum
Graduate internship/practicum of at least 300 clock hours, documented on the Board form.
Prior passing results
For ordinary first applications, applicants who passed before applying must personally request transmission to the Oklahoma exam results portal; the currently offered examination remains a requirement leaf.
Professional fitness
No conduct constituting grounds for denial, suspension or revocation; Board fitness review under OAC 86:10-5 may include evaluations, questionnaires, case studies and competence evidence. That field inquiry is not an independently identified licensing examination.
Supervised experience
3 years or 3,000 clock hours, including at least 1,000 direct-client-contact hours and 100 supervision hours, at least 45 minutes weekly approved supervision; complete within 60 months of the first approved supervision agreement. Graduate hours above the master’s may substitute for up to two years, but at least one year/1,000 hours remains.
Supervision reporting
Board-approved application, passing exam verification and supervision agreement precede accrual; signed evaluations are submitted semiannually, with submissions beyond 60 days not credited.
Supervision rule wording
OAC 86:10-11-1 names NCE passing verification before supervision, while OAC 86:10-15-2 allows an equivalent examination and the Board’s Step 6 accepts NCMHCE. Applicants relying on the NCMHCE should provide the Board-required passing verification; the literal supervision provision is retained in the adoption evidence.
Reactivation after at least one year of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Requirements
Prorated renewal fee and continuing education for the renewal year, with no impediment to licensure.
Time
Inactive for at least one year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation within one year of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Requirements
Required renewal fee and continuing education, with no impediment to licensure.
Time
Inactive for less than one year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after application denial
Additional supervision
Accrue an additional 500 supervised hours.
Continuing qualifications
Satisfy otherwise applicable education, professional fitness and supervised experience requirements; the current Board-approved NCMHCE alternative and unnamed equivalent-exam discretion remain as in the initial route.
Documents
Application, official transcripts, fee and completed background check, reviewed by the Board.
Prior experience
Internship/practicum documentation and previously approved supervision carry over.
Prior results
Examination results before the new application are not considered.
Reapplication after voiding for examination failure
Continuing qualifications
Satisfy otherwise applicable education, professional fitness and supervised experience requirements; the current Board-approved NCMHCE alternative and unnamed equivalent-exam discretion remain as in the initial route.
Documents
Application, official transcripts, fee and completed background check.
Prior experience
Internship/practicum documentation carries over; prior approved supervised experience does not.
Prior results
Examination results before the new application are not considered.
Reapplication after 24 months of application inactivity
Continuing qualifications
Satisfy otherwise applicable education, professional fitness and supervised experience requirements; the current Board-approved NCMHCE alternative and unnamed equivalent-exam discretion remain as in the initial route.
Documents
Application, official transcripts, supervision agreement, fee and completed background check.
Inactivity
Previous application voided after 24 months of inactivity.
Prior experience
Internship/practicum documentation carries over; previous supervision is voided.
Prior results
Examination results before the new application are not considered.
New application after permanent expiration
Continuing qualifications
Satisfy otherwise applicable education, professional fitness and supervised experience requirements; the current Board-approved NCMHCE alternative and unnamed equivalent-exam discretion remain as in the initial route.
Documents
Application, official transcripts, supervision agreement, application fee and completed background check.
Expiration
A license expired for more than one year cannot be reinstated; apply again.
Prior experience
Prior internship/practicum documentation and previously approved supervised experience carry over.
Prior results
Examination results obtained before the new application are not considered.
New licensure application after retirement
Academic standing
Exam eligibility may use Board-approved verification of expected graduation dated/submitted no earlier than 60 days before graduation; official transcripts are required before supervision approval.
Application
Complete application, fee, official transcripts, Board internship/practicum form and completed criminal background checks. The Board accepts FBI and OSBI fingerprint checks dated within 30 days of application.
Education
At least a counseling or substantially content-equivalent mental-health-related master’s degree and 60 graduate semester or 90 quarter hours from an accepted regionally accredited institution; CACREP, Board content-equivalence or designated credential evaluation under OAC 86:10-9.
Equivalent exam
OAC 86:10-15-2 permits another equivalent national examination determined by the Board; the Board expressly accepts the NCMHCE as the named alternative to the NCE. Any additional unnamed Board-approved equivalent is an applicant condition.
Exam eligibility
Pass the examinations within the two-year Board-approved eligibility period; failed examinations may be rescheduled within that period.
Foreign degree
A degree earned outside the United States requires a comprehensive evaluation acceptable to the Board or its designated credentialing agency and any additional Board requirements.
Licensure completion
Continue under approved supervision until licensed; the license is issued after all qualifications, initial license fee and Board approval.
Minimum age
At least 21 years of age under 59 O.S. section 1906(B)(2).
Practicum
Graduate internship/practicum of at least 300 clock hours, documented on the Board form.
Prior passing results
For ordinary first applications, applicants who passed before applying must personally request transmission to the Oklahoma exam results portal; the currently offered examination remains a requirement leaf.
Professional fitness
No conduct constituting grounds for denial, suspension or revocation; Board fitness review under OAC 86:10-5 may include evaluations, questionnaires, case studies and competence evidence. That field inquiry is not an independently identified licensing examination.
Retired status
A retired license cannot be reinstated; 59 O.S. section 1908(C) allows applying for a new license. The new application follows current initial licensure requirements.
Supervised experience
3 years or 3,000 clock hours, including at least 1,000 direct-client-contact hours and 100 supervision hours, at least 45 minutes weekly approved supervision; complete within 60 months of the first approved supervision agreement. Graduate hours above the master’s may substitute for up to two years, but at least one year/1,000 hours remains.
Supervision reporting
Board-approved application, passing exam verification and supervision agreement precede accrual; signed evaluations are submitted semiannually, with submissions beyond 60 days not credited.
Supervision rule wording
OAC 86:10-11-1 names NCE passing verification before supervision, while OAC 86:10-15-2 allows an equivalent examination and the Board’s Step 6 accepts NCMHCE. Applicants relying on the NCMHCE should provide the Board-required passing verification; the literal supervision provision is retained in the adoption evidence.
New application after license revocation
Continuing qualifications
Satisfy otherwise applicable education, professional fitness and supervised experience requirements; the current Board-approved NCMHCE alternative and unnamed equivalent-exam discretion remain as in the initial route.
Documents
Application, official transcripts, application fee, completed background check and rehabilitation evidence addressing the cause of revocation.
Practice limits
Board review may impose additional reasonable practice limits.
Prior experience
Internship/practicum documentation carries over, but approved supervised experience does not.
Prior results
Examination results before the new application are not considered.
Waiting period
No application is considered until five years after revocation.
Reapplication after failure to finish supervised experience
Continuing qualifications
Satisfy otherwise applicable education, professional fitness and supervised experience requirements; the current Board-approved NCMHCE alternative and unnamed equivalent-exam discretion remain as in the initial route.
Documents
Application, official transcripts, fee and completed background check.
Prior experience
Internship/practicum documentation carries over, but previously approved supervision is voided.
Prior results
Examination results before the new application are not considered.
Supervision deadline
Application voided for failing to complete supervised experience within 60 months.
Initial, interim and annual license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Annual
Thereafter renew each June 30 with 20 continuing education hours, including at least three in counseling ethics.
First renewal
After the first two years, document at least 40 continuing education hours.
Interim
Prorated fees and continuing education align the original renewal date to June 30.
Renewal requirements
Compliance with the Act and rules, continuing education documentation and renewal fees; no new examination appears in the exhaustive requirements of OAC 86:10-21-5.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Retirement of an active license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Current license in good standing.
Procedure
Inform the Board in writing and return the license; the retired license cannot be reinstated, but a new application is permitted.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure for applicants with three years of full out of state licensure
Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination
Application
Application, requested documents, fees, official transcripts and completed criminal background checks; Board page requires FBI and OSBI fingerprint checks no more than 30 days old.
Cross reference
The rule’s section 1906(B) paragraph references retain older numbering; the current statute’s B(1) requires an examination and the route’s specifically named OLERE carries that requirement.
Education
At least a counseling or mental-health-related master’s from a regionally accredited institution; the Board requires primary-source transcript verification rather than a traditional academic review.
Out of state license
Active, in good standing and authorizing independent practice; no history of suspension or revocation; Board fitness requirements apply. Direct verification is required from the issuing authority.
Statutory qualification
59 O.S. section 1909 authorizes endorsement on comparable qualifications and Board-rule standards. OAC 86:10-25-3 expressly identifies the OLERE for this route.
Statutory reading
Section 1906(E) mandates issuance for this qualified group but does not expressly waive section 1906(B)’s examination requirement. OAC 86:10-25-3(4) identifies the OLERE; it is retained as a leaf rather than inferring an unstated no-exam finding.
Three years
59 O.S. section 1906(E) requires good standing, at least three years of full licensure after the provisional term and proof of that licensure.

Licensed Professional Counselor — Specialty Designation

Board-approved specialty designation; a specific designation depends on the petition, certification agency credentials and Board approval specified in section 1917.

Licensing authority: state board of behavioral health licensure · Application information

Specialty designation upon certification agency credentials
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Advertising
Do not claim or advertise the specialty until the qualification, certification and Board approval requirements have been met.
Base license
Current LPC license and Board approval of the appropriate specialty.
Credentials
Submit credentials from the appropriate certification agency; unspecified certification is an applicant condition, not an invented registered examination.
Establishment
A specialty area may be established upon petition of 15 qualified LPCs meeting recognized certification standards; if no national certification exists the Board may establish standards.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Specialty designation renewal and late renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Date
Renew on the same date as the LPC license.
Requirements
Comply with the Act and rules, document required continuing education and pay applicable specialty renewal fees; late renewal follows the license renewal/suspension provisions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Professional Counselor — Temporary License

Temporary military-related authorization while completing missing Oklahoma requirements or supplying missing documentation.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure · Application information

Temporary military licensure while obtaining missing documentation
Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination
Documentation
A temporary credential permits continued employment while obtaining missing requirements; a denial can be appealed.
Eligibility
Active-duty military personnel or spouses covered by section 4100.8, notified that required documentation is missing or unavailable.
Equivalence
Other-state requirements must be substantially equivalent; missing Oklahoma-specific requirements may be completed during temporary authorization.
Exam timing
The OLERE is the named Oklahoma endorsement examination. Temporary authorization can precede completion of unmet Oklahoma requirements; equivalence and the timing of completion are applicant conditions, not invented exam alternatives.
Fees
Application fee waived; section 4100.8 also waives the initial issuance fees for its covered applicants.
Temporary licensure for military spouses completing Oklahoma requirements
Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination
Eligibility
Current out-of-state independent professional counselor license; spouse of an active-duty member transferred to Oklahoma, with the statutory employment/transfer/residency conditions.
Equivalence
Other-state requirements must be substantially equivalent; missing Oklahoma-specific requirements may be completed during temporary authorization.
Exam timing
The OLERE is the named Oklahoma endorsement examination. Temporary authorization can precede completion of unmet Oklahoma requirements; equivalence and the timing of completion are applicant conditions, not invented exam alternatives.
Fees
Application fee waived; section 4100.8 also waives the initial issuance fees for its covered applicants.

Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination

Provider
CareerTech Testing Center for the State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure
Format
Written examination
Passing score
The score accepted as passing by the State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure.
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure — Enabling Statute (Title 59, Chapter 60)
  • Licensed Professional Counselors Act (Title 59, Chapter 44)
  • Licensed Professional Counselors (OAC Title 86, Chapter 10)
Examination sources

National Counselor Examination

Provider
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC); administered through the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) and delivered by Pearson VUE at test centers or online through OnVUE
Format
200-question, multiple-choice, non-sectioned examination; scored and unscored items appear in jumbled order; a different form is compiled for each administration
Exam questions
200 multiple-choice questions: 160 scored and 40 unscored field-test items
Time limit
225 minutes to complete the examination within a 255-minute test session (one scheduled 15-minute break after question #100)
Passing score
Criterion passing score set by a modified Angoff method and adjusted for each form by statistical equating; passing scores may vary slightly for each version
Examination outline
  • 1. Professional Practice and Ethics — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities related to maintaining proper administrative and clinical protocols. (12% of items; 19 scored items) (12%)
    • A. Assess your (the counselor) competency to work with a specific client
    • B. Understand statistical concepts and methods in research
    • C. Practice legal and ethical counseling
    • D. Clarify counselor–client roles
    • E. Discuss client’s rights and responsibilities
    • F. Discuss limits of confidentiality
    • G. Explain counselor agency policies
    • H. Review payment, fees, and insurance benefits
    • I. Explain counseling processes, procedures, risks, and benefits
    • J. Explain uses and limits of social media
    • K. Inform clients about the legal aspects of counseling
    • L. Obtain informed consent
    • M. Discuss confidentiality as it applies to electronic communication
    • N. Establish group rules, expectations, and termination criteria
    • O. Assess competency to provide informed consent
    • P. Monitor the therapeutic relationship and build trust as needed
    • Q. Review client records
    • R. Provide adequate accommodations for clients with disabilities
    • S. Provide information to third parties
    • T. Provide referral sources if counseling services are inadequate/ inappropriate
    • U. Advocate for professional and client issues
    • V. Seek supervision/consultation
    • W. Create and maintain documentation appropriate for each aspect of the counseling process
    • X. Awareness and practice of self-care
  • 2. Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively conduct client intake, assessment, and diagnosis. (12% of items; 19 scored items) (12%)
    • A. Conduct a biopsychosocial interview
    • B. Conduct a diagnostic interview
    • C. Conduct cultural formulation interview
    • D. Conduct an initial interview
    • E. Determine diagnosis
    • F. Perform a Mental Status Exam (MSE)
    • G. Consider co-occurring diagnoses
    • H. Determine level of care needed
    • I. Determine the appropriate modality of treatment
    • J. Assess the presenting problem and level of distress
    • K. Evaluate an individual’s level of mental health functioning
    • L. Screen clients for appropriate services
    • M. Select, use, and interpret appropriate assessment instruments
    • N. Use formal and informal observations
    • O. Assess for trauma
    • P. Assess substance use
    • Q. Obtain client self-reports
    • R. Evaluate interactional dynamics
    • S. Conduct ongoing assessment for at-risk behaviors (i.e., suicide, homicide, self/other injury, and relationship violence)
    • T. Use pre-test and post-test measures to assess outcomes
    • U. Evaluate counseling effectiveness
  • 3. Areas of Clinical Focus — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge and skills related to areas of clients’ concern(s). (29% of items; 47 scored items) (29%)
    • A. Adjustment related to physical loss/injury/medical condition
    • B. Aging/geriatric concerns
    • C. Behavioral problems
    • D. Bullying
    • E. Caregiving concerns
    • F. Cultural adjustments
    • G. End-of-life issues
    • H. Fear and panic
    • I. Financial issues
    • J. Gender identity development
    • K. Grief/loss
    • L. Hopelessness/depression
    • M. Loneliness/attachment
    • N. Hyper/hypo mental focus
    • O. Intellectual functioning issues
    • P. Insomnia/sleep issues
    • Q. Maladaptive eating behaviors
    • R. Remarriage/recommitment
    • S. Developmental processes/tasks/issues
    • T. Obsessive thoughts/behaviors
    • U. Occupation and career development
    • V. Physical issues related to anxiety
    • W. Physical issues related to depression
    • X. Physical/emotional issues related to trauma
    • Y. Process addictions (pornography, gambling)
    • Z. Racism/discrimination/oppression
    • AA. Religious values conflict
    • AB. Retirement concerns
    • AC. Ruminating and/or intrusive thoughts
    • AD. Separation from primary care givers
    • AE. Sexual functioning concerns
    • AF. Sleeping habits
    • AG. Spiritual/existential concerns
    • AH. Stress management
    • AI. Substance use/addiction issues
    • AJ. Suicidal thoughts/behaviors
    • AK. Terminal illness issues
    • AL. Visual/auditory hallucinations
    • AM. Worry and anxiety
    • AN. Adoption issues
    • AO. Blended family issues
    • AP. Child abuse-related concerns
    • AQ. Child development issues
    • AR. Dating/relationship problems
    • AS. Divorce
    • AT. Family abuse/violence (e.g., physical, sexual, emotional)
    • AU. Interpersonal partner violence concerns
    • AV. Marital/partner communication problems
    • AW. Parenting/co-parenting conflicts
    • AX. Emotional dysregulation
  • 4. Treatment Planning — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to develop an effective course of treatment. (9% of items; 14 scored items) (9%)
    • A. Collaborate with client to establish treatment goals and objectives
    • B. Establish short- and long-term counseling goals consistent with clients’ diagnoses
    • C. Identify barriers affecting client goal attainment
    • D. Identify strengths that improve the likelihood of goal attainment
    • E. Refer to different levels of treatment (e.g., outpatient, inpatient, residential, etc.)
    • F. Refer to others for concurrent treatment
    • G. Guide treatment planning
    • H. Discuss termination process and issues
    • I. Discuss transitions in group membership
    • J. Follow-up after discharge
    • K. Use assessment instrument results to facilitate client decision making
    • L. Review and revise the treatment plan
    • M. Engage clients in review of progress toward treatment goals
    • N. Collaborate with other providers and client support systems (documentation and report writing)
    • O. Discuss with clients the integration and maintenance of therapeutic progress
    • P. Educate client to the value of treatment plan compliance
  • 5. Counseling Skills and Interventions — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct effective counseling. (30% of items; 48 scored items) (30%)
    • A. Align intervention with client’s developmental level
    • B. Align intervention with counseling modality (individual, couple, family, or group)
    • C. Align intervention with client population (e.g., veterans, minorities, disenfranchised, disabled)
    • D. Implement individual counseling in relation to a plan of treatment
    • E. Establish therapeutic alliance
    • F. Apply theory-based counseling intervention(s)
    • G. Address addiction issues
    • H. Address cultural considerations
    • I. Address family composition and cultural considerations
    • J. Evaluate and explain systemic patterns of interaction
    • K. Explore family member interaction
    • L. Explore religious and spiritual values
    • M. Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems
    • N. Help clients develop support systems
    • O. Help facilitate clients’ motivation to make the changes they desire
    • P. Improve interactional patterns
    • Q. Provide crisis intervention
    • R. Educate client about transference and defense mechanisms
    • S. Facilitate trust and safety
    • T. Build communication skills
    • U. Develop conflict resolution strategies
    • V. Develop safety plans
    • W. Facilitate systemic change
    • X. Provide distance counseling or telemental health
    • Y. Provide education resources (e.g., stress management, assertiveness training, divorce adjustment)
    • Z. Provide psychoeducation for client
    • AA. Summarize
    • AB. Reframe/redirect
    • AC. Facilitate empathic responses
    • AD. Use self-disclosure
    • AE. Use constructive confrontation
    • AF. Facilitate awareness of here-and-now interactions
    • AG. Facilitate resolution of interpersonal conflict
    • AH. Use linking and blocking in a group context
    • AI. Management of leader–member dynamics
    • AJ. Model giving and receiving of feedback
    • AK. Address impact of extended families
    • AL. Contain and manage intense feelings
    • AM. Explore the influence of family of origin patterns and themes
    • AN. Address the impact of social support network
    • AO. Use “structured” activities
    • AP. Promote and encourage interactions among group members
    • AQ. Promote and encourage interactions with the group leader
    • AR. Use psychoeducation as a part of the group process
    • AS. Explain phases in the group process
    • AT. Identify and discuss group themes and patterns
    • AU. Create intervention based on the stage of group development
    • AV. Challenge harmful group member behaviors
    • AW. Address the potential interaction of members outside of the group
  • 6. Core Counseling Attributes — This section encompasses behaviors, traits, and dispositions of effective counselors. (8% of items; 13 scored items) (8%)
    • A. Awareness of self and impact on clients
    • B. Genuineness
    • C. Congruence
    • D. Demonstrate knowledge of and sensitivity to gender orientation and gender issues
    • E. Demonstrate knowledge of and sensitivity to multicultural issues
    • F. Demonstrate conflict tolerance and resolution
    • G. Empathic attunement
    • H. Empathic responding
    • I. Foster the emergence of group therapeutic factors
    • J. Non-judgmental stance
    • K. Positive regard
    • L. Respect and acceptance for diversity
    • M. Use foundational listening, attending, and reflecting skills
Examination sources

National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination

Provider
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC); administered through the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) and delivered by Pearson VUE at test centers or online through OnVUE
Format
11 clinical case studies, each with one narrative in three sections (initial intake summary and two counseling sessions) followed by 9–15 four-option, single-answer multiple-choice questions; one case study is unscored
Exam questions
130–150 multiple-choice items, of which 100 are scored
Time limit
225 minutes to complete the examination within a 255-minute test session (one scheduled 15-minute break after the fifth case study)
Passing score
Cut score set through standard setting and applied to other forms through statistical equating; the total score is the number of correctly answered scored items
Examination outline
  • 1. Professional Practice and Ethics — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities related to maintaining proper administrative and clinical protocols. (15% of scored items) (15%)
    • A. Assess your (the counselor) competency to work with a specific client
    • B. Understand statistical concepts and methods in research
    • C. Practice legal and ethical counseling
    • D. Clarify counselor/client roles
    • E. Discuss client’s rights and responsibilities
    • F. Discuss limits of confidentiality
    • G. Explain counselor/agency policies
    • H. Review payment, fees, and insurance benefits
    • I. Explain counseling processes, procedures, risks, and benefits
    • J. Explain uses and limits of social media
    • K. Inform clients about the legal aspects of counseling
    • L. Obtain informed consent
    • M. Discuss confidentiality as it applies to electronic communication
    • N. Establish group rules, expectations, and termination criteria
    • O. Assess competency to provide informed consent
    • P. Monitor the therapeutic relationship and build trust as needed
    • Q. Review client records
    • R. Provide adequate accommodations for clients with disabilities
    • S. Provide information to third parties
    • T. Provide referral sources if counseling services are inadequate/inappropriate
    • U. Advocate for professional and client issues
    • V. Supervision
    • W. Create and maintain documentation appropriate for each aspect of the counseling process
    • X. Awareness and practice of self-care
  • 2. Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively conduct client intake, assessment, and diagnosis. (25% of scored items) (25%)
    • A. Conduct a biopsychosocial interview
    • B. Conduct a diagnostic interview
    • C. Conduct cultural formulation interview
    • D. Conduct an initial interview
    • E. Determine diagnosis
    • F. Perform a Mental Status Exam (MSE)
    • G. Consider co-occurring diagnoses
    • H. Determine level of care needed
    • I. Determine the appropriate modality of treatment
    • J. Assess the presenting problem and level of distress
    • K. Evaluate an individual’s level of mental health functioning
    • L. Screen clients for appropriate services
    • M. Select, use, and interpret appropriate assessment instruments
    • N. Use formal and informal observations
    • O. Assess for trauma
    • P. Assess substance use
    • Q. Obtain client self-reports
    • R. Evaluate interactional dynamics
    • S. Conduct ongoing assessment for at-risk behaviors (i.e., suicide, homicide, self/other-injury, and relationship violence)
    • T. Use pre-test and post-test measures to assess outcomes
    • U. Evaluate counseling effectiveness
  • 4. Treatment Planning — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to develop an effective course of treatment. (15% of scored items) (15%)
    • A. Collaborate with client to establish treatment goals and objectives
    • B. Establish short- and long-term counseling goals consistent with client’s diagnosis
    • C. Identify barriers affecting client goal attainment
    • D. Identify strengths that improve the likelihood of goal attainment
    • E. Refer to different levels of treatment (e.g., outpatient, inpatient, residential)
    • F. Refer to others for concurrent treatment
    • G. Guide treatment planning
    • H. Discuss termination process and issues
    • I. Discuss transitions in group membership
    • J. Follow up after discharge
    • K. Use assessment instrument results to facilitate client decision-making
    • L. Review and revise the treatment plan
    • M. Engage clients in review of progress toward treatment goals
    • N. Collaborate with other providers and client support systems (documentation and report writing)
    • O. Discuss with clients the integration and maintenance of therapeutic progress
    • P. Educate client to the value of treatment plan compliance
  • 5. Counseling Skills and Interventions — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct effective counseling. (30% of scored items) (30%)
    • A. Align intervention with client’s developmental level
    • B. Align intervention with counseling modality (individual, couple, family, or group)
    • C. Align intervention with client population (e.g., veterans, minorities, disenfranchised, disabled)
    • D. Implement individual counseling in relation to a plan of treatment
    • E. Establish therapeutic alliance
    • F. Apply theory-based counseling intervention(s)
    • G. Address addiction issues
    • H. Address cultural considerations
    • I. Address family composition and cultural considerations
    • J. Evaluate and explain systemic patterns of interaction
    • K. Explore family member interaction
    • L. Explore religious and spiritual values
    • M. Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems
    • N. Help clients develop support systems
    • O. Help facilitate clients’ motivation to make the changes they desire
    • P. Improve interactional patterns
    • Q. Provide crisis intervention
    • R. Educate client about transference and defense mechanisms
    • S. Facilitate trust and safety
    • T. Build communication skills
    • U. Develop conflict resolution strategies
    • V. Develop safety plans
    • W. Facilitate systemic change
    • X. Provide distance counseling or telemental health
    • Y. Provide education resources (e.g., stress management, assertiveness training, divorce adjustment)
    • Z. Provide psychoeducation for client
    • AA. Summarize
    • AB. Reframe/redirect
    • AC. Facilitate empathic responses
    • AD. Use self-disclosure
    • AE. Use constructive confrontation
    • AF. Facilitate awareness of here-and-now interactions
    • AG. Facilitate resolution of interpersonal conflict
    • AH. Use linking and blocking in a group context
    • AI. Management of leader–member dynamics
    • AJ. Model giving and receiving of feedback
    • AK. Address impact of extended families
    • AL. Contain and manage intense feelings
    • AM. Explore the influence of family of origin patterns and themes
    • AN. Address the impact of social support network
    • AO. Use “structured” activities
    • AP. Promote and encourage interactions among group members
    • AQ. Promote and encourage interactions with the group leader
    • AR. Use psychoeducation as a part of the group process
    • AS. Explain phases in the group process
    • AT. Identify and discuss group themes and patterns
    • AU. Create intervention based on the stage of group development
    • AV. Challenge harmful group member behaviors
    • AW. Address the potential interaction of members outside of the group
  • 6. Core Counseling Attributes — This section encompasses behaviors, traits, and dispositions of effective counselors. (15% of scored items) (15%)
    • A. Awareness of self and impact on clients
    • B. Genuineness
    • C. Congruence
    • D. Demonstrate knowledge of and sensitivity to gender orientation and gender issues
    • E. Demonstrate knowledge of and sensitivity to multicultural issues
    • F. Demonstrate conflict tolerance and resolution
    • G. Empathic attunement
    • H. Empathic responding
    • I. Foster the emergence of group therapeutic factors
    • J. Non-judgmental stance
    • K. Positive regard
    • L. Respect and acceptance for diversity
    • M. Use foundational listening, attending, and reflecting skills
Examination sources